Security forces on Thursday shot dead three terrorists responsible for the improvised explosive device blast that killed 29 Border Security Force personnel and their relatives on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway on Sunday, official sources said.

They were killed during an encounter in Kulgam area of South Kashmir's Anantnag district.

The three were identified as Farooq Ahmed Shaikh, Gulzar Ahmed Bhat and 'Code 77', whose real name was not yet known.

Security forces recovered three Kalashnikov rifles, 144 rounds, 23 hand grenades and Rs 35,000 in cash from the terrorists.